Service learning programs help students take their knowledge and skills out of classrooms and labs into community settings enabling them to use critical thinking and problem solving abilities. This course provides information about the advantages of using service learning as a teaching tool while enhancing the growth of students. Implementation steps are covered so participants will be able to make service learning a part of program offerings as well as providing career opportunities for students.

Module 1: Introduction to Service Learning

• Identify contributions service learning makes to student development.
• Recognize the benefits of a service learning program.
• Analyze the difference between community service and service learning programs.
• Describe the different types of service learning programs.

Module 2: Understanding Service Learning

• Explain the necessity for college commitment to service learning.
• Identify service learning goals.
• Develop strategies for securing community partnerships.
• Utilize student involvement in service learning.
• Create service learning opportunities.

Module 3: Evaluating Student Progress

• Identify institutional preparation steps needed for service learning implementation.
• Describe how to secure service learning sites.
• Select best practice methods for use in service learning implementation.
• Create a comprehensive evaluation plan for service learning students.
• Describe program evaluation processes.

Module 4: Service Learning Outcomes

• Identify student benefits of participating in service learning.
• Describe benefits of service learning for an institution.
• Recognize service learning outcomes for participating communities.
• Analyze challenges to implementing service learning programs.
• Recognize the role that service learning has in career colleges.